#97: Finding Joy in Farm Life with Heather Nienhueser
“My life does revolve around farming but I also think we have good boundaries where I’m not resentful of that.”
Growing up on a farm, Heather Nienhueser always knew she wanted to marry a farmer. While some people couldn't wait to leave farm life behind, she put "must be a farmer" at the top of her list of requirements for a future spouse. Today, she's living that dream as a farm wife and mom in South Central Nebraska, where she balances raising three kids, running multiple businesses from home, and renovating an 1890s farmhouse.
From Banking to Farm Life
After college, Heather worked in ag banking for eight years before deciding to stay home with their children. "I loved my job," she shares. "I loved working with farmers, I loved my coworkers. But I just knew that I would never regret having this time with my kids."
The transition wasn't easy. "I bawled when I told my boss," Heather remembers. "I couldn't even say the words 'I'm quitting.'" But with support from her husband and a switch to Christian Healthcare Ministries for insurance, they made it work.
Finding Her Rhythm at Home
Like many who leave careers to stay home, Heather had to adjust to a new normal. "When I came home, it felt good, but I also felt a little bit like, 'okay, now what?'" she says. "So much of your identity is wrapped up in what you do for a living."
She found her groove by creating systems that work for her family. Every Sunday night, she plans the week ahead, including meals and tasks. She makes daily to-do lists and even set up an accountability system with her sister-in-law where they text each other their goals and achievements throughout the day.
From Garden Plot to Family Business
In 2020, Heather planted popcorn in her garden, following her dad's tradition. When people started asking to buy it, she and her husband saw an opportunity. They started with six rows along their driveway, selling out 200 bags in just 10 days.
The next year, they expanded to two acres and upgraded from hand-picking to using the combine. Now it's truly a family business - their oldest son even creates marketing videos for social media. They sell through their website, www.farmkid.com, offering both jarred and bagged popcorn.
Navigating Family Farm Transitions
The Nienhuesers have experienced both smooth and challenging farm transitions. When Heather's father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer in 2019, he immediately started planning the transition. "It was actually extremely seamless," Heather notes. "My husband talks to my dad a lot about this because he has no transition plan to my brother. It was so much better just having it set up already and everybody knowing the game plan."
Her advice for other farming families? Make sure legal documents are thorough and specific, not just templates. And most importantly, have open conversations with everyone involved. "They all had a lot of conversations about that and they were all part of that conversation," she says. "I think that's really important for the transparency."
Finding Joy in Farm Wife Life
For farm wives who might be struggling to adjust to farm life, Heather emphasizes the importance of getting out of the house. "A lot of times for me that looks like going to the field because that's my happy place," she says. "If that's not necessarily bringing you joy, maybe pick somewhere else - maybe the library or coffee shop."
She also encourages involvement with the farm, even in small ways. "Go be with them and ask questions and get involved," she advises. "You'll feel a lot better about it and probably enjoy it a lot more."
To connect with Heather, check out her Instagram, blog, and website.
More from Farming on Purpose
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About your host:
I’m your host, Lexi Wright. I started the Farming on Purpose Podcast from a passion for sharing the stories of agriculture from generations past, preserving the skills and lessons learned along the way, and ensuring the best of that is passed onto those who will continue to lead the way into the future of production agriculture.
I’m so glad you’re here and I hope you’ll take a moment to join the conversation with me and other listeners on social media.
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